Help with affordable Maple kit

M

MetallicaItalian

Senior Member
I have been drumming casually for about 7 years and have been using a poplar Pearl Export Radical. I really want to upgrade to an all-maple kit. I may be able to sell the Export with some cymbals for a little over $400. I can only afford several hundred more.

I hear wonderful things about the Pearl Visions but they seem a bit pricey to me. I am torn between the Gretsch Catalina Tobacco Fade which I can pick up at a bargain (or get a pricematch) http://victorlitz.com/cart/gretsch-catalina-maple-tfs-drum-kit-p-1387.html?currency=USD $577.50

and

The pdp Maple X7 (finish-ply) here http://drums-percussion.musiciansfriend.com/product/PDP-X7-Maple-Finish-Ply-7Piece-Shell-Pack?sku=581618$570

I can get Musician's Friend to price match from this link http://www.cymbalfusion.com/Drum-Sets/PDP-Pacific-Drums/X7-Series/PDP-Pacific-by-DW-X7-Wrap-Finish-Shell-Pack-p3906.html for $570.

Based upon what I've read I am certain you all will recommend the Grestch Kit for superior shell construction.

The thing that really makes this pdp deal attractive is the free Simmons Sd5k electronic drum kit which normally sells for $400. I am about to complete my Bachelor's degree and will very likely be living further away from home in an apartment with no place for acoustic drums. I am well aware that these things are nothing to brag about but I would say a 7 piece maple kit, a 5 piece; 3 cymbal electronic kit, and that hybrid kit all for $570 is a ridiculously good deal. Also, the Gretsch does not include an 8" tom which would be $170 to purchase individually.

I do have reservations about this pdp kit for several reasons. It is finish ply rather than lacquer which is definitely not to my liking. I may however remove those wraps and do my own sunburst lacquer finish which may turn out to be a fun project. Also, http://www.gretschdrums.com/?fa=drums&sid=573 mentions a 7-ply bass drum and 9-ply snare. Which would be preferable if all of the pdp's shells are 6-ply which I cannot seem to confrim. I'd also like the 14" x 14" Gretsch tom over that 14" x 12" pdp tom. Sizes other than that seem to be identical.

I'd like to once again emphasize that I am completely aware of the quality/sound or lack thereof the Simmons electronic kit as I have played one at Guitar Center recently. I am in no way suggesting this is a quality piece of equipment. It is however SOMETHING that I'd be able to practice on when access to acoustic drums is severely limited and still sells individually for $400 only $170 less than I could get this 7-piece (wrap finish ugh) maple drum kit for.

Alternatively I can wait until grad school and just individually buy a cheap electronic kit. There is no urgent need for my own maple kit as I gig up at school several times a month on my guitarist's kit while mine stays at home.

All your help and input is greatly appreciated.
 
That $570 X7 kit might be the older poplar generation.

As for the thread itself, I'm only partially sure what you're asking, which is Catalina vs X7. My only answer is, reread what you wrote. It seems pretty clear that you're leaning heavily towards the X7... so buy that.
 
check with musicians friend to see if they will match that price. i don't think its the same kit, and they might match it but not include the electronic kit because that other site doesn't include it as well. but even at the regular price that pdp is a hell of deal.
 
also I have a wrapped finish kit, and a lacquered kit, and trust me lacquer isn't all that. i don't think the sound is that much different, and the lacquer is alot less durable. it looks really pretty at first, but after a few months of gigging it is easy to chip and shows scratches alot more than wrapped finish.
 
I know I'm coming out of left field over here, but perhaps you should look into Mapex Maridian Maple. The Pro-M line preceded the new Maridian line, so al the online stores are getting rid of these ALL MAPLE Pro-M sets for pennys. I got a 6 piece studioease for $600!!

There are a lot of configs. some of the lower piece sets cost more than the higher peice sets (Which makes no sense) so take a look at them.

Right now, you can get a 5 piece fusion set for 500 bucks! thats begginer set price for (relistically) semi-pro drums.

http://drums-percussion.musiciansfr...with-Free-Black-Panther-Snare-Drum?sku=483371


...Or you can just check out the new Maridian line. They have beautiful finishes.

-MarkyMark
 
I took a look at some of those Pro M's and Meridians as well. They seemed like a decent deal but I feel like I'm kind of missing out when there are 6 and 7 piece maple offerings for only $70 more. The 6-piece Mapex kits are going for $900 :-(. I do like a big kit. Most of what I play is progressive rock/metal.
 
I was going to say to look at GMS CL series affordable Rock Maple shell pack kit.

MetallicaItalian said:
I took a look at some of those Pro M's and Meridians as well. They seemed like a decent deal but I feel like I'm kind of missing out when there are 6 and 7 piece maple offerings for only $70 more. The 6-piece Mapex kits are going for $900 :-(. I do like a big kit. Most of what I play is progressive rock/metal.
Click to expand...


If you like big kit then count out the Gretsch Catalina Maple (come in 10" - 12" - 14" - 16" 22" and no other size is offered) and you're limited too with the PDP because the only thing you get more than Gretsch is an 8" tom. I know Mapex & Sonor offer affordable maple kit with vast custom size to choose from (bass drum & toms).


Quality over quantity (I've learned my lesson ;-) )
 
The $570 PDP X7 kit is definitely poplar. Says so at the bottom of the ad. So if you're looking for maple this kit is not maple.
 
This link offers individual Catalina Maple toms in 8" and 13" as well. 8" is another $170 I believe.

http://drums-percussion.musiciansfriend.com/product/Gretsch-Drums-Catalina-Maple-Tom?sku=502067 [/QUOTE]

Gretsch Drums Catalina Maple Tom
We're sorry, but this product is not for sale as a single item. It is only available through the purchase of a kit. If you would like more information, contact our customer service hotline at 800-391-8762.

MetallicaItalian said:
I'd be quite happy with the 7-piece and don't necessarily even need a snare though a maple snare would be lovely to have depending on its thickness.

You say quality over quantity, but in your experience is the quality difference with good heads, say pinstripes enough to justify missing out on that 8" and electronic gear?
Click to expand...

What I say is better a 5 pieces Yamaha MCA than a 7 pieces Stage custom...

Sure with good heads & excellent tuning you can make most entry level sound good but with those same good heads & excellent tuning you'll make any high-end kit sound great ;-)
 
MetallicaItalian said:
Sorry to be difficult, that's 5 pieces of maple vs. 7 pieces of birch not maple vs. maple. :p.
Click to expand...

so, my question to you is , can you really tell the difference between maple and birch?
for me , i have played a lot of kits [ when younger ok] and for me a gretch kit kills it, but having just decided to play again i,m now playing a pro m and love em, once i sort out my heads, it can only be good.
dont rush into it, go and play it
 
My two suggestions:

6 piece with 24" bass for $700: http://drums-percussion.musiciansfr...with-Free-Black-Panther-Snare-Drum?sku=483373

6 piece with 22" bass for $700: http://drums-percussion.musiciansfr...with-Free-Black-Panther-Snare-Drum?sku=483369

Or if you like a standard 5 piece setup, 22" bass for $460: http://drums-percussion.musiciansfr...ack-Bermuda-Sparkle-Scratch-n-Dent?sku=502309

And if you want a cheap but useful electronic kit, get the Rock Band premium drumset. It's something lke $300 to $350, and plugs into computers directly with USB (no MIDI needed).
 
MetallicaItalian said:
Sorry to be difficult, that's 5 pieces of maple vs. 7 pieces of birch not maple vs. maple. :p.
Click to expand...


Well not all maple is Canadian Rock Maple ! There's the Asian Maple which is softer and faster growing wood tree than North American Rock or Sugar Maple.

The stage custom still isn't finland birch it's an Asian Birch and before that, they (SCN) were mix wood shell (fakalta - phil. mahogany & birch).

The wood used in the Catalina Maple is Asian Maple while the Maple in Renown or New Classic is North American Rock Maple. There's the Quality versus Quantity info you requested.

I ain't saying the Asian Maple isn't souding good but you requested Maple vs Maple comparison.
 
Huh, now that I've given this some thought, it might not be that bad an idea. If I use pricematch, You can even get the nice lacquered version for $670 if you use the price match. If all the shells were a bit deeper, I'd be all over this deal, omnomnom :D
 
MetallicaItalian said:
I went with the X7 wraps. They're waiting for me at home. I just need some tom mounts for the rack. :).
Click to expand...

Excellent choice!
I didn't have a chance to read or respond to this thread until after you bought the kit, but if I had, I def. would have recommended the PDP simply because of all the freebies you're getting with it, and the fact that PDP is a quality brand. I don't have any personal experience with either kit, and can't speak as to which is truly "better", but considering they are both entry/intermediate level kits, they will be very similar to each other. Good heads and tuning will take the sound far.

Congrats!
 
someone else mentioned it I second it check out Taye's studio maple. I specialise in retailing smaller and up and comming companies where the quality is great and you get way more bang for the buck. Also look at PEACE drums and Cadeson. all 3 companies make very nice stuff.
 
I would suggest you a PDP X7 great value specially for the amount of pieces you're getting, and they're amazing drums I have the last year's version which is made of Poplar instead of Maple but if mines sounds good i can't imagine how amazing the Maple version should sound.
You can also spend a little bit more and get a Gretsch Catalina Maple, less pieces but I've heard amazing reviews about it and they have better finishes ( At least for my taste ).

Hope it helps!
 
Sonor 3007! I bought this kit back in the spring from Dale's Drum Shop in PA for $649.00 for a six piece shell pack. I am completely amazed by this kit for the money. Heck, my dad paid that much for a used kit for me back in 1980!!!!

And, not only is this kit Maple, but it uses Canadian maple for the outer plies. Hardware...finish...sound, all amazing - even with the stock heads. They are made in China, but to exacting German specs and have many of the same features as the high priced German Sonors.

LOL...I know I must sound like a Sonor Rep...rest assured I am not. I just can't believe this kit is in this price range!
 
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